The Swiss Army Knife Turns 111

On June 12, 1897, Karl Elsener registered his "soldier's knife" for use by the Swiss Army. In 1921, the Swiss Army Knife was made with stainless steel and today you can buy one that's nine inches thick with 85 devices for $1,200.

In any case, the Swiss Army Knife has become an invaluable tool and over 34,000 more are made every day.

For the longest time whenever I imagined the Swiss Army, my steryotype-supporting mind always pictured earnest looking mountain men in leiderhosen armed with nothing but Swiss Army Knives. That got me thinking: If the only weapon they use is a knife, then DAMN, they must be good. later on this mental image was crushed by learning that Switzerland is neutral, and that their army uses guns like everyone else.

I was at the outlets a while back and saw the Swiss Army Knife store. I went in, every knife I picked up said "made in china". I could not believe it! There was a blond haired young man there and he sounded a Swiss. I asked him, why are these "Swiss" army knives made in china. He just mumbled they are Swiss. So as to not lose any customers. But, I said, they are made in china! He said, yes to Swiss specifications! I said, Yes, but , they are still chinese! I left shortly thereafter. I never went back. He was brainwashed by the chinese! I still carry my Original Swiss Army knife every day! Chinese is chinese. Only in a restaurant!

That stinks, are your countries leaders so afraid and insecure, that people can not even carry a pocket knife? Watch out next thing, they will ban rocks and sticks from your country. Talk about control freaks!

Pocket knives like the "Swiss Army" serve a purpose and are useful, but in general pocket tools are better. Even bicycle multitools (screwdrivers, Allen keys) are often more useful. Single blade knives can be bought anywhere, so I don't see a point of having one on a pocket tool.

its not about the usefulness though. it is useful but it is about the history, the name, the reputation. owning one makes you that much closer to being as cool as macgyver. if its good enough for him and the swiss army, its good enough for me.

For those living in North America with houses, cars, and are less concerned about space, size and mobility, or where you're less likely to use such tools on a daily basis, maybe it's not so important. But for me and other ex-pats (I'm a Canadian living in Taiwan and other Asian countries), multiple usefulness compared to weight and number of items matters a lot, especially when you're moving regularly or live in small apartments.

For me, a the Leatherman and bike tool I referred to are my entire tool box. Ex-pats like myself and others can't spare the room or weight for a power drill or a complete set of proper Craftsman wrenches. That's not commentary or an attempt to find fault, I'm just pointing out that there are different realities for different people. A Swiss Army Knife just doesn't cut it for me or many others.